Nara Park

奈良公園

A vast park home to about 1,200 wild sika deer roaming freely. Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofuku-ji are all within it. It is the symbol of Nara.

Nara Park lies east of Kintetsu Nara Station. It covers about 500 hectares (about 660 hectares including temple and shrine grounds), stretching from Kofuku-ji to the foot of Mount Kasuga, and is one of the most representative urban parks in Japan. The park is home to about 1,200 wild sika deer, designated a national natural monument. Long regarded as messengers of Kasuga Taisha, the deer wander freely across the lawns, along the paths, and even on the roads during the day. Visitors can buy shika senbei (deer crackers, 200 yen per pack) to feed them. These crackers are made by the Deer Protection Society, and the proceeds from their sale are used to protect the deer. When offered a cracker, the deer bow their heads slightly to ask for more, making this one of the most popular experiences among Chinese visitors. Key areas of the park include: around Kofuku-ji, Noboriojidori Road and Sarusawa Pond, which reflects the five-story pagoda and is lit up at night; the Nara National Museum; the Todai-ji approach; Kasugano Lawn, a large grassy area where deer gather most densely, with Wakakusa Hill behind it; Tobino, a grassy area in front of Kasuga Taisha where herds gather in the early morning; and Ukimido, a hexagonal pavilion on Egret Pond, which is especially beautiful with reflections during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The park is open to the public at all times for free. Walking the full loop takes at least half a day. We recommend starting at Kintetsu Nara Station, walking along Noboriojidori Road past Kofuku-ji, the museum, and Todai-ji, then crossing Kasugano Lawn to Kasuga Taisha, and finally passing Ukimido on your way back to Naramachi. Feeding tips: take out one cracker at a time and feed quickly, without teasing the deer, as they may bite clothing or maps. Never feed deer human food or plastic, since plastic can be fatal to them. In autumn, male deer become aggressive during the rutting season, and in late spring, mother deer protect their fawns and can be short-tempered. Keep your distance, especially when children are present. The park has public restrooms and vending machines, but restaurants are concentrated near Kintetsu Nara Station.

Nara Park

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby